Terps Glide to Victory in Tri Meet

Maryland Athletics

2-15-2014

The Maryland gymnastics team extended its undefeated record at home with victories over Bowling Green and Yale in a tri meet Saturday afternoon. The Terps (6-3, 3-2 EAGL) posted a team score of 194.675. Bowling Green tallied 193.875 for second and Yale totaled 188.525.

The Terps earned a quick lead after the first rotation and never lost it as they hit their routines throughout the night. Maryland had first-place individual finishes on bars, beam and floor.

“I liked how the team stuck together and fought all the way through,” head coach Brett Nelligan said. “This hasn’t been an easy year for us, but we’re finding a way to get it done.”

Stephanie Giameo totaled 39.125 and won the all-around for the second consecutive week after winning against George Washington, Pittsburgh and Towson on Monday night. Karen Tang competed in the all-around for the first time this season and posted a 38.925 for second place.

“We’re really thrilled with Karen,” Nelligan said. “She’s stepped up and now she’s an all-arounder. It’s great. We need people to step up and score. She’s working hard in the gym to be ready for her team.”

In the first rotation, the Terps posted a 48.575 on vault. Giameo notched a 9.800 for third place. Sarah Faller and Karen Tang posted a pair of 9.750s for sixth place. The score was a personal best for Faller.

Elizabethe Manzi led off the Terps on bars in the second rotation and tied her personal record with a team-best 9.800. Karen Tang and Jessie Black both hit strong routines to give the Terps the top three places in the event.

In the third rotation, Giameo took her usual spot as anchor for the Terps on beam and hit a season-best 9.875 to win first place. Faller, who led off for the Terps, nailed her routine, scoring a 9.725. Ebony Walters also hit a 9.725 and tied with Faller for fourth place.

Tang continued with the momentum she gained on the previous three rotations and hit a 9.875 on floor to tie for first place. Walters’ 9.800 earned her second place and Giameo finished fourth with a 9.775.

“We’re finally hitting our stride,” Nelligan said. “No falls last meet, no counting falls this meet. This is what we have to do this time of the year.”

The Terps finish a three-meet homestand and return to EAGL competition next weekend when they host North Carolina on Feb. 21.